Water Heater Repair Cleveland's Blog

The Causes of a Water Heater Tank Explosion

When it comes to having to do maintenance on ones water heater, it is a rather minimal maintenance device. Even so, one necessary component of it really should be inspected regularly. Hot Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio wishes to pass along this safety information concerning ones water heater today.

Excessive temperature when combined with tank deterioration within the storage tank can lead to an explosion. If the water temperature is under 212 degrees Fahrenheit, one will be protected from an explosion, though there is a danger of scalding at that temperature. But, if the water temperature is more than 212 degrees, water changes into steam, which will enlarge to 1,700 times the space it takes up as water. This is when an explosion can take place.

Cautionary Indicators of a Water Heater Explosion

The leading sign is if one goes to get hot water from a faucet and only steam comes out. Immediately shut off electric power if one has an electric water heater. If one owns a gas hot water heater, shut off the gas valve going to the water heater. After that, get in touch with us to come check out the condition.

Minimizing Potential Water Heater Dangers

The most crucial routine maintenance job having a water heater is to test the pressure relief valve, also referred to as the T&P valve, on a standard schedule. This valve helps control the pressure buildup within the water storage tank to hinder a unsafe rise in temperature and overpressure.

Warning!

Remember, the water release from a T&P valve might be quite hot. If you do not feel comfortable evaluating the valve let us know. Additionally, performing any kind of repairs to the valve should be done by a experienced plumbing repair provider.

How to Test the T&P Valve

Remove anything from around the area around the overflow pipe and floor drain.

Raise the test handle for about 5 seconds or until the water runs clear.

Let go of the handle.

If the T&P valve keeps on running with water, lift up the handle up and down quickly to get it to reseat itself. One may have to do so a handful of times. IF it has not been tested for a while, it might be difficult to raise it at first. Don’t use too much force, although might need to use just a little.

If the T&P valve continues to leak, it should really be replaced.

Other things to watch out for are deterioration on the stem of the valve. If there is any water dripping from the valve stem or from the drain valve.

Seeking more strategies? Take a look at our additional articles here:

Water Heater Maintenance Infographic

Related T&P Valve Testing Videos

Mythbusters did a test of the potential dangers of hot water heater explosions here:

What the Experts Say

The discharge from a T&P valve can be very hot. It is very important that all T&P valves be installed properly with a discharge line piped downward to an adequate drain to avoid property damage and to minimize possible human contact.Read more…

Pressure relief valves sometime develop a drip when opened for the first time in years. Try opening and closing it a few times to see if it will seat itself. If you have a large leak or the drip doesn’t stop on its own in a day or two, the valve will need to be replaced. Read more…

Check out some of our other water heater tips in our blog

Are you having an issue with foul odors originating from the water coming from your water heater? It occurs in certain cases for a couple different reasons. Here is what Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio suggests to do to make sure your water smells much better and to remove any undesirable taste quickly.

Causes for Cleveland Water Heater Odors?

Bacteria getting in the water system is the most typical explanation ones water inside the house could have odors. If you home makes use of well water or cities that use wells for the water source, raises the chance of this happening.

With a water heater temperature setting of 140 degrees or more will assist in minimizing the growth of microorganisms inside of the water storage tank.

How You Can Remove Foul Water Smells

The following directions explain the way to use chlorine bleach to clean a water heater.

The electric or gas leading to the water heater tank needs to first be turned off.

Next, the cold water supply off that leads to the tank needs to be turned off.

Open the hot water faucet of the kitchen area sink to allow air to enter the tank.

With a a yard hose hooked up to the storage tank drain valve, drain the water inside the water heater.

Then shut the drain valve as soon as it is empty.

The next step is putting in the bleach.
If the pipe for the cold water travelling into the storage tank is a flexible line, unscrew it from the tank. If not, one will have to take off the pressure relief valve, which is more involved. For electric water heaters, one of the elements can be taken out.

Utilize a funnel to put bleach inside the tank.
Use 5 ounces of bleach for each gallon of the tank capacity.
So if you have a 50 gallon water heater, you will need 250 ounces of bleach, or about 2 gallons.

Hook the water line or pressure relief valve back up again

Fill the tank back up with water again.

Close the hot water faucet of the kitchen faucet as quickly as all the air is out of the line.

Operate all the hot water appliances up until the aroma of bleach is noticeable. We want to kill the germs that are in the water lines likewise, not just inside the water heater.

Let the water to stand in the tank and water lines without using and hot water for 2 to 3 hours.

Drain the storage tank once more and refill it. This time allow it to set for at least thirty minutes and just as before drain it.

Fill the tank back up. Open all of the hot water fixtures and let them run up until the scent of bleach is gone.

For gas water heaters, relight the water heater pilot light. For electric water heaters, turn the power on once more.

In addition, by replacing the anode rods, or simply the type utilized can work as the next video illustrates:

Additionally, by replacing the anode rods, or perhaps the type employed can work as the next video shows:

What the Experts Say

According to Soquel Creek Water District, “The smell is the result of four factors that must all be present for the odor to develop. These factors include:

A high concentration of sulfate in the raw water

Sulfate reducing bacteria, non-toxic to humans (sulfate is reduced to a sulfide state by the bacteria)

Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water

Hydrogen (a component of water which may be present due to water conditions reacting with the anode)” Read more here…

A water heater can provide an ideal environment for the conversion of sulfate to hydrogen sulfide gas. The water heater can produce hydrogen sulfide gas in two ways – creating a warm environment where sulfur bacteria can live, and sustaining a reaction between sulfate in the water and the water heater anode. Read more…

Check out some of our other water heater tips in our blog

An element regarding ones water heater of which a lot of Cleveland homeowners has perhaps definitely not considered a lot concerning is the temperature setting. What is the perfect temperature level for the hot water in ones house? In this post Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio will explore the positives and negatives of varied levels for house owners to decide exactly what will work most effectively for them and their family, for there are a few health disadvantages that ought to be taken into consideration.

A good number of water heater producers preset the temperature of their hot water heaters to 140 degrees. If you have gotten the heater in your household installed or changed while being there, this might be precisely what it is already set at if you haven’t adjusted it. It may be tricky to recognise what precisely the authentic temperature is on various water heater brands for the dial is named as warm, hot, really hot. We are convinced it appears like a very good promoting characteristic to market water heaters that have the ability to heat water to 1000 degrees, nonetheless we will find that it is highly excessive.

In cases where the temperature dial has no degrees written upon it, fill up a glass of hot water from a faucet and put a cooking thermometer inside it to see the temperature level.

Energy Saving Costs With Cleveland Water Heater Temperature Settings

It happens to be presumed that through adjusting the setting from 140 to 120 degrees can save between six to ten % of the energy made use of from the water heater. In money, this would allow $6 to $20 annually in cost savings. The U.S. Department of Energy expresses a temperature setting of 120 is a great strategy to cut back on home energy costs.

If in conclusion of the article one thinks an even lower temperature setting is secure for ones residence, subsequently the financial savings may well be more than suggested earlier.

Potential Health Risks With Water Heater Temperature Settings

As the infographic beneath displays, there may be health dangers if the hot water temperature is too cool. Legionella bacteria is the possible dangerous variable to consider. It may possibly grow in the temperature spectrum of 68 to 122 degrees. Consequently, if ones water heater is placed less than 122 degrees, there does exist the likelihood it could grow on the inside of ones hot water heater storage tank.

How is Legionella bacteria harmful? A variety of pneumonia could be transferred if someone breathes water that Legionella bacteria has contaminated. This would most often take place when inhaling water moisture by a shower. Consuming the water is in most cases acceptable.

Approximately 8,000 to 18,000 Americans catch this each year states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 5 to 30 % of such incidents result in death. This is not stated to distress anyone, but just as a useful idea for people that may be much more susceptible to acquiring Legionella Disease.

According to OSHA, “At low levels of contamination, the chance of getting Legionnaires’ disease from a water source is very slight. The problem arises when high concentrations of the organism grow in water systems. Water heaters, cooling towers, and warm, stagnant water can provide ideal conditions for the growth of the organism.” (read more)

Arguments to Decrease Water Heater Temperatures

Among the motives to never have ones water heater established at approximately 140 degrees is the hazard of getting scalded or burned by the water. For Cleveland property owners that have youngsters or older adults, this ought to be taken into account. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposes a setting of 120 because of motives. One can find currently bath faucet slip covers that have a LED temperature reading that are useful also!

When decreasing the temperature setting, examine the dishwasher manual to find out what the the bare minimum water temperature level is for it. Several brands require it to be particularly high.

This is often a tricky issue to make a decision on Hot Water Heater Repair Cleveland OH understands. We trust the material in this article and the infographic underneath will help inform our Cleveland neighbors and clients on the preferred water heater temperature issue.

Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio is not about to discuss the unhappy tales concerning water heater maintenance of “awakening to the freezing bath,” here. At the same time, we shall presume that one realizes the straightforward notion of being sure ones water heater is maintained routinely in an effort to receive the most from its expected life. This helps one reduce costs on power costs as well. All of that is smart we understand. Though hot water heaters do not require a lot regarding maintenance (and we are astounded, even though not shocked, by the sheer number of customers we come across who haven’t executed anything to their water heater), following are the responsibilities individuals must keep in mind when it comes to routine maintenance.

How Long Should My Cleveland Ohio Water Heater Last?

The normal gas water heater lasts 8 to 10 years. There are lots of things that could influence the all around life expectancy needless to say, however this is an effective standard. Quite possibly the most important factor that can influence the long life of it is normally mineral deposits. A lot of of the responsibilities in this article should go a long way in assisting to lower the accumulation of mineral deposits in the storage tank of the water heater.

Cleveland Water Heater Repair Prevention

House owners, even people which don’t feel too handy, can do a whole lot of water heater routine maintenance by themselves. While in most cases, water heaters are safe and sound, it is crucial to note that they actually do work from electric power and/or gas, consequently good safety measures ought to be put into practice. Be sure to employ all these measures as an instructional tutorial, for we’d much rather discuss all these together with you directly. The electrical power to the water heater requires to be switched off ahead of performing any routine maintenance. Ones breaker box ought to have a preferably labeled switch to point out which breaker is the heater’s. With a gas heater, move the gas cutoff counterclockwise to shut off the gas to the heater.

The element of the heater that aids with reducing rusting inside of the water storage tank are the anode rods, or additionally named sacrificial anode rods. Nearly all are manufactured from aluminum or magnesium around a steel wire. In time the external covering of the rods will erode and they really should be replaced when the steel wire is observable. They typically last around 5 years, though that might be reduced if ones water is soft. Ultimately, it is better and less costly to have the anode rods changed, so that one can acquire an extended life from the water heater storage tank. The rods should really be checked out once a year basis.

The follow video does a very good job of demonstrating the method needed with replacing the anode rods:

Not every water heater has dip tubes. They must be examined for deterioration every 6 months. To evaluate it, take it out and evaluate its length to the height of the water heater. It needs to be somewhere around 6″ to 8″ shorter compared with the tank. Whenever it’s smaller than that, or simply reveals clues of breakage or falling apart, it’ll need to get changed.

The big and small flush. Once more, mineral deposits are the prominent reason of water heater malfunctions. Based on the level of quality of water in ones residence will establish exactly how rapidly sediment will establish inside of the storage tank. This sediment can solidify in time, leading to unexpected popping sounds from the storage tank, greatly reduce the effectiveness of the water heater, and perhaps clog up the drain valve. If possible, every 6 months, but at the least every year, empty 1 or 2 gallons of water from the drain valve in the bottom of the hot water heater in a pail or by a hose in a container outside the house. Look to check out the amount of sediment is within the pail after the water settles. If it seems pretty clear, that great! When these kinds of small flushes are carried out 2 times yearly, one may well not need to conduct a big flush as frequently. If the water seems to be very dirty, a full flush ought to be conducted. It is likewise a great occasion to be certain the bottom drain valve of the storage tank is functioning properly and not leaking. Most are normally composed of plastic and in time when they aren’t opened up, they may get stuck or not close up firmly, so opening and closing them in the course of the small flush test is very good.

There can be unique measures one could take while flushing to handle any specific water smells that can appear when hot water comes from faucets within the residence also.

This video demonstrates exactly how and advantages for a water heater flush:

Regarding holiday or temporary residences, one will need to empty the storage tank of all its water in order to avoid any kind of flooding when the household is not being occupied. Clearly, be certain to fill it up while the house is to be resided in once again.

Water pipe inspection. Look to make certain all water piping have no leaks or are impaired at all. This should be straightforward to see when there are any leaks with any piece of the water plumbing or storage tank for it will have water below and/or near the device. Leaking water can result in water damage to areas of ones property, so make certain all seems dry, primarily if the heater can be found within the dwelling and not in a garage.

T&P valve check up. The T&P valve, referred to as the temperature and pressure relief valve, must be looked at annually. The goal of the T&P valve would be to secure the water heater storage tank from too much pressure, and exploding, not to frighten everyone. The owners handbook must be looked over to make certain the right measures are used but listed here are the common actions. A little water may come out of the valve and it will probably be really hot so be mindful. Raise the handle and let go of it. Have a container available to catch any extra water which may come out. When the handle is lifted, the noise of pressure getting discharged will be noticed. The handle will need to snap back into position. In the event that it won’t give it a try once more. In cases where it will not go back again into position following a number of attempts, it is going to have to be changed. The valve may possibly drip a little water after doing that for a short period of time. If it fails to discontinue dripping after a couple of hours contact us.

There does exist a lot of discussion on what the perfect temperature setting needs to be. The manufacturer pre-programmed setting is commonly 140 degrees, which is indeed warmer than almost all people definitely will ever have to have. 120 degrees is the usual temperature and a number of people also go as far as 100 degrees. We’ll be publishing much more on this matter in the near future, but we propose not going over 120 degrees.

Just For Gas Water Heaters

The gas venting system requires being checked each 3 months. Verify to ensure all fittings are tight and for obstructions and harm to the vent pipes and also making certain they’re absolutely free of rust and deterioration .. Gas fired hot water heaters vent fumes to the outdoors of the dwelling. If these fumes flow indoors of the household it might be poisonous and a fire threat. Make certain everything combustible or corrosive is faraway from the exhaust ventilation to aid the prevention of fires. Change all loose, broken or corroded areas of vent pipes.

Check out the pilot light to conduct a visual analysis of the way it is working. The pilot light is the element that ignites the gas burner that will heat the water. A clean burning and correctly adjusted pilot light is necessary for your water heater to function at peak efficiency. The color of the flame of the pilot light should really be blue with natural gas heaters or blue/green with just a bit of yellow at the tip with propane heaters. A short flame, a yellow flame, or a flame with a divided flame at the top indicates that a modification is necessary.

Just For Electric Water Heaters

Implementing insulation wraps or covers around the storage tank can certainly help retain a regular temperature inside of the storage tank without the need for as much energy. Moreover, with the heater not needing to perform as often will increase the life span of the heating element due to the fact it will not be put to use as much. Every 3 months roughly, take a look at to be sure the insulation wrap is attached good and hasn’t fallen or shifted on the water storage tank.

Routine evaluation of the heating element is really important and definitely will help cut down on the need for an unexpected repair. We aren’t going to get into the specifics for a total assessment right here, however one will require a voltage/OHM meter to guarantee there does exist a closed electricial circuit. Heating elements will need updating from time to time.

Continue to keep the place close to ones water heater thoroughly clean of dirt. In particular if the water heater can be found in the garage area, be certain to keep the vicinity swept. The cleaner the heater is, the considerably better it is going to work without having the necessity of a water heater repair.

Replace Old Water Heaters With Energy Efficient Ones

Today, most water heaters made possess a fine volume of energy efficiency. In April of 2015, new codes were started in the United States on water heaters. Naturally, the better quality the heater, the longer the life one can get from the device while using appropriate care over time. Don’t wait to phone Hot Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio to talk about water heater maintenance or simply to help answer any concerns on finding the most proper replacement water heater for ones house or workplace. Brand, model, and size ought to all be considered in the selection process and not simply implement the “bigger the better” saying. With regard to storage tank water heaters, one doesn’t need to be always holding a surplus quantity of heated up water that won’t be used.

Most people don’t ever give thought to the state of the house’s water heater Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio knows. Justifiably so, so long as it is running correctly. Nevertheless, a little water heater upkeep can go a long way toward decreasing the number and frequency of repairs, and really assists to increase the life of the heater, preventing very early replacement. Discover exactly how preserving your water heater can impact its life expectancy and provide you less stunning minutes of cold water.

A Healthy Water Heater

While nobody can identify precisely how long a water heater ought to last, regularly preserved, quality water heater can last 8 to 10 years. Obviously, numerous elements will influence the life-span, consisting of electrical power abnormalities, the quality of the water heater, and the mineral density in the water. Routine water heater service can likewise decrease electric expenses by helping it work more efficiently

Among things that destroys a water heater are mineral deposits. A great deal of cash is invested changing heating elements and entire tanks, when a little service along the way would assist to prevent this cost from happening. A healthy water heater is one that is insulated, clean, and without electrical wiring problems.

Issues with ones water heater typically end up being clear: A hot water faucet isn’t able to bring hot water, there are leaks or puddles near the water heater, or the tank releases unusual gurgling or popping noises. These are a couple of caution indications informing you when your hot water heater requires changing.

It would be good to recognize prior to your water heater has a leakage and triggers a hassle or even worse yet damage to the residence. If you identify you have a few of the very early indication you will have time to evaluate your options of sizes and designs and select a certified installer instead of hurrying to discover a replacement water heater on a Friday afternoon or even worse on a weekend.

Right here are some indicators that you might need a a brand-new hot water heater:

Age: Normally, a gas hot water heater must last anywhere in between 8 to 12 years, while an electric design will last a bit longer at 10 to 15 years.
Stained Water: When you utilize your hot water tap, does the water look a bit colored? If so, there could be rust in the water heater, which is a possible sign the hot water heater is revealing indications of wear and might begin to leak.
Banging or Popping: When there is a accumulation of hard water sediment in the water heater,it could could sound like explosions. These sounds are triggered by the difference in water temperature inside the tank as incoming cold water mixes with the heated water of the tank.
Moisture: Look around the base of the water heater for moisture, for this could be a sign of a sluggish or periodic leakage.
Cold Water: An unforeseen cold shower is not just bad method to begin your day, however of a hot water heater that requires to be examined out.
Significant Water Leaks: It’s time to call Hot Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio now.

Springtime is an enjoyable period of the year without a doubt, but it does bring with it several house chores for home owners. Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio would like to write about some upkeep jobs to carry out around our home to make sure ones plumbing and other systems are working as well as possible. Many of these tasks will not take long to do and will assist rather a little bit in protecting the value of ones house, in addition to making it more energy effective.

Water Heater
The average life of a water heater is from 8 to twelve years. It’s suggested to inspect to check out if one can find any leaks or rust happening at the tank’s base, and if there are any water leaks because of rust, it is a excellent sign that the water heater will need to be replaced regrettably. If your property has hard water, it might be essential to drain the water heater to reduce deposit accumulation in the tank. This need to be done two times a year to maintain the heater working effectively. It at the same time helps make it work quieter as well!

Plumbing
If one finds any leaking water fixtures, change washers as required, regardless if your feline likes to sit in the tub and lick the leakage. And do not forget to examine for under-sink and dishwasher leakages and repair as required. Although it’s early spring and not warm enough to sweat carrying out these tasks, ensure the water pipes aren’t also. Additionally make certain drains are running easily and the washing machine hoses are not protruding, fractured, or damp. Nobody needs water destruction from a badly leaking clothes washer!

Outdoor Faucets
Turn all outside water fixtures back on…ideally they had been turned off in the late fall time. Furthermore examine for any leaks from them and yard hoses.

Refrigerators
The refrigerator is among the most significant power eaters in the house, so ensuring that the door seals are tight is necessary. To check this, shut the door on a dollar bill and in the event it can quickly drawn away, the door latch could require a readjustment or the seal might require being changed. Surprisingly, a small little bit of air loss can lead to greater energy costs. And it’s likewise a great time to clean up the back coils as that is an additional reason for ineffectiveness.

Storm Windows and Screens
The extreme variations in temperature level in between the winter season and springtime can ruin caulking or rubber seals all over a house’s windows and exterior doors. Take some time and look at them. It is actually a basic repair and the energy expenses will mirror the time spent. Any detachable storm windows can be taken down, washed, and substituted with window screens. And, remember to mend holes in windows and door screens to shut out mosquitoes and various other small bugs.

AC Units
Inspect portable AC systems to see to it they are performing and filters are replaced. The warm weather condition will come earlier than one generally believes. An AC unit not merely cools you down, however an effective AC unit decreases humidity from the household, which can really harm the foundation if left unattended. Enter the practice of altering or cleaning the filters of both a main system and portable devices once a month as dust and dirt lowers effectiveness. It si important for central AC systems that the hose connections are not leaky and the drain pans are draining effectively. If a condensate drain line ends up being obstructed, it could be an accumulation of algae. If this holds true, utilize a wet-vac to draw out any obstruction. And as well, clear out the ducts likewise.

Hot Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio hopes these projects are useful and will be included in your to-do lists! Take a look at some of our additional water heater information here:

A hot water heater is a hard working appliance. Day or evening, it’s making completely heated water whenever you desire it. So when it all of a sudden is no longer working adequately, many of us often overreact.

The good news is a nonfunctioning water heater does not constantly suggest an expensive repair work. Prior to making an emergency call to Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio, we recommend inspecting the issue yourself first.

Cleveland Water Heater Repair Troubleshooting

Check the Pilot Light

For a gas water heater, eliminate the small panel on the bottom of the system and examine to observe if the pilot light is illuminated.
Spark it with a match or lighter to re-ignite it. If it remains lit, the water heater need to kick-in and begin functioning effectively.
If the pilot burner on the water heater does not remain ignited, you might should change the thermocouple or have the burner cleaned.

Replace the Thermocouple

It appears like part of a space ship, however it’s really an easy system that you can change on your water heater.

Refer to the owner’s handbook. It needs to have directions for how you can eliminate and change the thermocouple.
Shut off the gas prior to taking out anything at all from the water heater.
Using the directions in your individual’s handbook, eliminate the thermocouple by removing it from both sides of the aviator line.
Change the thermocouple on the water heater with a brand-new one that is cut to length.
Turn on the gas and check for leakages, then re-light the pilot light.

Hit the Reset Button

If you have an electric water heater, find the reset button and push it till you hear a click.
If you do not hear a click, or it falls short to reboot the water heater, reset the breaker.
If a breaker reset does not do the technique, you might should change the thermostat.

Change the Thermostat

Turn off the power to the water heater, and change off the breaker it is linked to. You do not desire to electrocute yourself!
Use the owner’s handbook to find the thermostat wires, then detach them.
Eliminate the thermostat and have it checked by a home appliance dealership. If it is damaged, change it.

Change the Heating Element

With the power still changed off, eliminate the gain access to panel on the water heater.
Loosen the terminal screws and pull the wires far from the heating element.
Eliminate each element of the element and have them checked by a home appliance repair shop. If they are damaged, change them.

Your water heater need to be going in no time. If these actions fall short to repair your hot water heater, or if you do not feel at ease doing them by yourself, call Hot Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio.

We really enjoy the things we do here at Water Heater Repair Cleveland Ohio and look forward to serving as many of our Cleveland neighborhood friends as possible. We will continue to include guidance on water heater maintenance right here in this blog too.

We desire to share our brand new company summary video to you below.

We are additionally readily available to support you with all other kinds of plumbing repair you might require carried out. Whether it is a leaking faucet, drain cleaning, toilet repair, or leak detection. We have witnessed nearly any sort of emergency plumbing and water heater repair predicament you can picture and look forward to utilizing our well crafted troubleshooting abilities!

If you are believing it is becoming near requiring a water heater replacement contact us also, for we will do all we can to help support you in that circumstance.